When Jared Ekberg suits up for Rockford Christian at Saturday's Jefferson Sectional, the junior will seek to become the program's first swimming state qualifier.

And his chances seem good considering he is seeded first in both the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke. He enters with his best times at 2:04.89 in the IM and a 54.44 100 back. The winners of each event qualify for state, as do those who equal or surpass state qualifying standards.

Last year at the Byron Sectional, Ekberg placed third (55.32) in the backstroke behind eventual state qualifiers Jack Tribble of Boylan and Byron's Aaron Helander, who have both graduated.

"I feel good about (my chances)," said Ekberg, a three-year varsity swimmer. "I feel I'm having my best season and my times have improved. I really want to go not just for myself, but because it will be something high for the program and for future swimmers."

His brother, Joel Ekberg, who is an assistant coach for the team, said his younger brother has kept himself focused all season.

"His work ethic has been great," said Joel, whose father, Kurt serves as the team's head coach. "He hasn't missed a practice. He's constantly working to improve."

Joel was a member of the school's first boys swim class in 2003. Joel swam various events competing alongside some of the area's best talent including state qualifiers Joe Dufour, Brad Holm and Ben Vavra of Byron and Andy Miner of Guilford.

"It was tough back then (to qualify), there were a lot of good swimmers," Joel said. "This year's field I think is wide open."

While Joel was a pioneer, Jared Ekberg has made a name for himself as the program's most decorated swimmer with eight school records.

This weekend, along with competing in the backstroke and 200 IM, he will also swim on the Royals' 200 medley and 200 free relays.

"Ever since last year's sectional, I knew if I wanted to move up, I would have to drop time," he said. "I just want to qualify."